How much sun does California wild grape need?

California wild grape grows best in full sun conditions.

When does California wild grape bloom?

California wild grape blooms in April and May.

Where is California wild grape native?

California wild grape (Vitis californica) is native to CA, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What butterflies or moths does California wild grape host?

California wild grape is a larval host plant for achemon sphinx moth and pandorus sphinx moth.

California wild grape

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Vitis californica

Last reviewed: October 2026

California wild grape (Vitis californica) is a perennial vine native to CA, OR. It blooms in April and May. The flowers draw bees.

Toxicity unknown

California wild grape (Vitis californica) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

240"–600" H × 240"–600" W

Bloom

Apr, May

Native to

CA, OR

Pollinators

bees

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

A vigorous deciduous woody vine that climbs by tendrils over shrubs, trellises, and structures. Small inconspicuous spring flowers are followed by clusters of small dark purple grapes, and foliage turns gold and red in fall.

Growing California wild grape

Grow California wild grape in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 240 to 600 inches tall and spread 240 to 600 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Host plant for achemon sphinx moth, pandorus sphinx moth.

Grapes feed birds and mammals, and the foliage hosts achemon sphinx and pandorus sphinx moth caterpillars.

Common questions

How much sun does California wild grape need?: California wild grape grows best in full sun conditions.
When does California wild grape bloom?: California wild grape blooms in April and May.
Where is California wild grape native?: California wild grape (Vitis californica) is native to CA, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What butterflies or moths does California wild grape host?: California wild grape is a larval host plant for achemon sphinx moth and pandorus sphinx moth.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

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